Each June, high school students from across rural Illinois travel to Washington, D.C., for a week that’s equal parts education and inspiration. This year, 48 students sponsored by 25 electric and telephone cooperatives took part in the 2025 Youth Tour, held June 16-23, joining more than 2,000 peers from 44 states for a deep dive into leadership, history and the cooperative spirit.
The students kicked off their journey in Springfield, where they formed a mock snack co-op, elected a board, hired a manager and handled budgeting and sales throughout the week. The hands-on activity introduced them to cooperative principles in action and emphasized teamwork and shared decision-making.
In D.C., the group toured major landmarks — from Gettysburg and Arlington National Cemetery to the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and, for the first time in years, the White House. They visited several museums and bonded during group outings.
While the purpose of Youth Tour is to allow teens to see the nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process, and better understand the role they play as citizens, a bigger goal is to inspire the next generation to become leaders in their local communities.
Youth Leadership Council
Micah Anderson, Illinois’ 2025-26 Youth Leadership Council Representative
Adams Telephone Co-Operative’s Micah Anderson was selected by his peers to represent Illinois on the Youth Leadership Council for the next year. His duties include attending national and state meetings and events during his term. To students interested in going on Youth Tour in the future, Anderson says, “Take advantage of every opportunity you have. Go to every museum, take every tour and try to make as many friends as possible.”
